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A foraminotomy is a laser spine surgery used to relieve certain specific spinal conditions. It uses an arthroscopic approach to open the foramen without any need of general anesthesia. This laser spine surgery is minimally invasive and can be performed in an outpatient surgical setting.
Nerves exit the spinal canal through a space in the vertebra called the intervertebral foramen. The goal behind foraminotomy laser surgery is to relieve pressure on nerves being compressed by the foramen. The Latin words foramen, meaning - hole or opening and otomy - act of cutting or incision combine to make this term.
A pinched nerve can occur when the foramen is being compressed by disc, scar tissue, bone, or excessive ligament development. Laser spine surgery such as a foraminotomy helps to relieve nerve root compression symptoms alleviating the pain associated with these.
A foraminotomy can treat
- Herniated disc
- Foraminal stenosis
- Sciatica
- Arthritis of the spine
- Nerve root compression (pinched nerve)
- Bulging disc
- Bone spurs
- Excessive scar tissue development
Foraminotomy procedure
Once a local anesthetic is administered a round depuy tube is inserted through an incision in the patient. With the depuy tube in place a series of tubes increasing in size are placed over it one at a time, slowly creating a larger opening to the patients spine. The laser surgery is then performed through this opening allowing for minimal damage to the surrounding muscles. Instead of cutting and tearing the muscles they are instead pushed out of the way through the use of this technique. The laser, camera, suction, irrigation and other surgical instruments are inserted through the final tube which is about 18 millimeters in diameter, the size of a small marker.
The bone and tissue that is compressing the affected nerve can then be removed by the surgeon without distress to the patient. During the procedure some patients will feel immediate pain relief as the nerve is released from the compression. The tube is then slowly removed once the procedure is complete, allowing for the muscles to move back into their natural position. The incision will sometimes need to be closed using a stitch or two.
After an hour or two of monitoring, the patient is allowed to leave as long as they are accompanied by a companion. The patient is encouraged to take a long walk during the afternoon or the evening after the laser spine surgery. Returning the following day for a post-operative visit, the patient is given clearance by the doctor to return home.
Foraminotomy advantages
- There is no need for hospitalization as the laser spine surgery is performed in an outpatient setting
- Spinal fusion is never required with laser spine surgery
- There is no need for general anesthesia
- High rate of success
- Minimal scar tissue formation
- Minimally invasive technique
- Patients return to normal activities with short recuperation time